2020 Catcher Chest Protector Standards

For the 2020 baseball season, the NCAA and the national high school association will require that chest protectors be NOCSAE certified to help prevent commotio cordis (a blow to the chest causing heart disruption or cardiac arrest). This means for the 2020 season, catcher’s gear for ages 15U to 19U will have to be compliant with this safety feature for use in games as these levels largely follow high school association rules for play and equipment.

As of now, for ages 14U and under, this safety standard will not be required for catcher’s chest protectors but will be recommended.

If you are looking to buy a new catcher’s chest protector for your player, right now there are only some that meet this certification. However, as we get closer to 2020, most new chest protectors will likely meet this standard.